MANILA, Philippines – ?He?s like Muhammad Ali now,? said the 79-year-old promoter after the World Press Tour for Pacquiao?s Nov. 12 title fight with Juan Manuel Marquez came to a close at the historic Plaza ala Revolucion.
It was wild and wooly and unbelievably crazy.
The day started early, with the Filipino boxing icon and conqueror of great Mexican champions paying a visit to the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Mexican House of Representatives.
It took him longer than planned and expected to get out of the House because every congressman inside the building wanted to get close to him, greet him personally and have their pictures taken with him.
?Pinagkaguluhan ako (I was mobbed),? said Pacquiao.
Pacquiao must have felt right at home, himself being a congressman in his home province of Sarangani in Mindanao.
?The last time I saw congressmen coming out like that was for Ali in Indonesia in the seventies,? said Arum, who co-promoted the iconic Thrilla in Manila heavyweight battle between Ali and Joe Frazier in 1975.
Pacquiao and his group, together with the local promoters of the day?s big event, moved around town in a convoy of black SUVs, escorted by more than a dozen motorcycle cops in neon green jackets.
Sirens wailed and traffic stopped as the convoy passed through the streets, already adorned with the Mexican colors in anticipation of the forthcoming Independence Day celebration.
